Be United

1 Corinthians 1:10 “Brothers and sisters, I encourage all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to agree with each other and not to split into opposing groups. I want you to be united in your understanding and opinions.” I was a member of a church that was split into factions. Most members were descendents of the original founding families of this century old church. This fact was a symptom of the largest situation facing the church. There was no out reach seeking new souls for Christ. Even worse, they resisted letting anyone in. It was a de facto exclusive club. And within that club were families warring against family like the Hatfields and McCoys. There were a series of ministers who came and went. Some Loved by one group while hatred by others. I imagine that each of them stopped on their way out to shake the dust from their sandals. (Matthew 10:14) And then a new minister arrived and, through the power of the Spirit, had people united in outreach to the community. They began to behave like true brothers and sisters of Christ.

(Prayer by Karen Kennedy)

Lord, I humbly pray to you for your holy church, and ask that you fill it with all truth. Where hypocrisy exists, help those who suffer it to see their fault and correct it. Where disputes exist, let them be resolved in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, help us to establish and nurture it through your mighty power; where it is in want, provide for it; and where it is divided, reunite it. All this I pray for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever lives to intercede for our very souls, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

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Fatherly Advice

2 Timothy 2:1-7 NRSV You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Paul wrote to Timothy and gave him advise as from a feather to a son. Here are the bullet points of that advise.

Stay strong in what you’ve heard and seen.
Teach others what you know to be true.
Endure the sufferings while continuing your mission.
Do not be sidetracked by the day to day. Focus Inn the future.
Stay true to the commandments of Christ.
Accept the fruit of your labor.
Meditate and pray, seeking God’s guidance.

These same wise words I now give to you. Prayer: Lord, by Your Spirit, keep me always focused Your path and Your will. Give me all I need to do the job before me. Teach me that I may teach. Lead me that I may lead. Give me wisdom and understanding as I sell Your will. Accept my praise and works for Your glory. Amen Also visit my other blogs

Tom and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives

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My sermons blog Armchair Sermons. Sermons posted Sundays 10 AM central time.

Renew My Spirit

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Lord, I pray that your holy and life-giving Spirit may move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear and hatreds cease. Please let our divisions be healed, and let us live together in peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Seek Wisdom

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Lord, I pray for wisdom in these times of uncertainty. I look deep into my heart and soul to find your truth. I pray for comfort in times of spiritual restlessness — as I journey through the murky waters of sin and self-doubt. I pray for your word to enrich my life and bring me to a closer relationship and understanding with you, through your Son, Jesus Christ. And I ask that all your children be granted the same wisdom, comfort, and the promise of your word throughout their daily lives, that we all can gather in your house and praise you more lovingly and faithfully from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

God’s Approval Made Plain

Romans 3:21-24 Now, the way to receive God’s approval has been made plain in a way other than Moses’ Teachings. Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between people. Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory. They receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin. God’s plan is too simple for people to understand.

You sinned
God in Jesus forgave
Believe have faith

That is it, no contact to sign. It is expected that this new life in Christ will be different than your old life. Those changes should be evident to those around you. It is expected that you share this good news with others. Do not try to “save” them, Jesus has completed that work. Just share the gift you’ve been given. Prayer Lord, forgive me a sinner. I accept your free salvation. Help me to share what’s been freely given. Amen. Also visit my other blogs

and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives

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My NEW sermons blog Armchair Sermons. Sermons posted Sundays 10 AM central time.

Firstfruits

By Karen Kennedy

James 1:18

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Lord, into your hands I surrender myself, my family and friends, and all who confess your Holy name. Protect us today from all evil and from sins and temptations of the devil. Keep us safe from harm. Please enlighten my heart with the grace of your Holy Spirit and grant that I may ever be obedient to your commandments. Let me never be separated from you, and to know your Holy presence always. In Jesus name, Amen

Not Only Bread

Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Psalm 119:103

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

As my bodily life needs bread (food) to survive, so does my eternal life need to be fed inn God’s words.

The psalmist knew the value of God’s words. But I just noticed something. He did NOT say that God’s words were sweeter than honey to his EARS but you his MOUTH.

If we want the fullness of His words, we must speak them to others, then will they become “sweeter than honey.”

Prayer :

Fill me, Lord, to overflowing. Cause Your sweet words to pour forth from my mouth.

Amen

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He Will Sustain

Guest writer Karen Kennedy Psalm 55:22

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Lord, thank you for being ever-present in my life. Thank You for being there in good times and in difficult times. Thank you for being always faithful in meeting my needs. Help me walk so closely with You each day, and remember that I never have to do this alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

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and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives

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My NEW sermons blog Armchair Sermons. Sermons posted Sundays 10 AM central time.

Kept Blameless

Guest poster: Karen Kennedy 1 Thessalonians 5:23

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, I pray for inner peace today. Let me trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be, and help me to remember the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. Let me use the precious gifts that I have received from you in the right ways, and help me to pass on the love that has been given to me. Please give me confidence in knowing I am a your child and let this knowledge settle into my bones.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Also visit my other blogs

Tom and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives

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My sermons blog Armchair Sermons. Sermons posted Sundays 10 AM central time.

I Will Give Thanks to Your Name

Psalms 138:1-2 1. I will give thanks to you with all my heart. I will make music to praise you in front of the false gods. 2. I will bow toward your holy temple. I will give thanks to your name because of your mercy and truth. You have made your name and your promise greater than everything.

David could and did make music to praise God. I don’t have the gift of creating rhyme, rhythm, and melody. But I can sing His praises thanks to the talents of those who can craft musical poems from the holy scriptures.

“Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life;” Wonderful Words of Life by Philip P. Bliss

Lord, accept our heartfelt praise whether raised in song, spoken word, or groaning to deep for words. Because your name and your promise is greater than all else.

Amen.

. Also visit my other blogs

Tom and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives

http://TomAndEllaJournal.com

My NEW sermons blog Armchair Sermons. Sermons posted Sundays 10 AM central time.